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Cultural Development Board Meeting of February 5, 2019.
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PERSONAL APPEARANCES:
a. PETER IGLESIAS, CITY MANAGER & PAMELA FUERTES, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR
Ms. Cathers introduced City Manager Peter Iglesias and Economic Development Director Pamela Fuertes, who were warmly welcomed. Dr. Roth stated that the Board was picking up discussion from the previous meeting regarding the proposed establishment of a separate process outside of this Board to approve temporary public art projects occurring for ninety days or less within the City. The Board was presented with a draft resolution to reference for discussion. The City Manager stated that he met with the Arts Advisory Panel (AAP) as well; staff noted that the draft was not prepared prior to the AAP meeting.
Ms. Burgos made a motion recommending any one representative from each of the Cultural Development Board, Arts Advisory Panel, and Economic Development Board to meet and review temporary art proposals on an as needed basis with City staff from the Historical Resources and Cultural Arts Department and Economic Development Department with the understanding that staff will make recommendations to the City Commission on such proposals. Mr. Martinez seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
NEW BUSINESS:
a. GIRALDA SKY - CALL FOR ART
Following up the previous discussion, staff presented a draft Call for Art for a temporary public art project on Giralda Plaza in collaboration with the Economic Development Department. Following on the success of the Umbrella Sky project, Ms. Cathers stated that the Commission has asked the Economic Development Department to produce two (2) activations at the (Giralda Streetscape) site per year. Ms. Fuertes confirmed the Commission’s intention. Ms. Cathers stated that staff has met with the Economic Development Department, agreeing to use one of the opportunities per year as an art activation with the possibility of collaborating on additional activations involving other partner organizations, such as the University of Miami’s art and/or architecture departments.
Ms. Horwitz made a motion to recommend moving forward with a Request for Proposals in support of the Giralda Sky temporary public art installation. Ms. Burgos seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
OLD BUSINESS:
There was no old business.
CULTURAL GRANT ITEMS
a. CHANGE REQUEST - EL INGENIO
Ms. Cathers stated that a representative from El Ingenio said they were going to attend to address the Board’s questions regarding the change request presented at the last Board meeting; however they were not present. The Board discussed briefly and agreed to give the organization another month to respond.
b. CHANGE REQUEST - SOUTH FLORIDA CHAMBER ENSEMBLE
The Board was presented with a change request from the South Florida Chamber Ensemble to slightly modify the time of performances and to switch the order of two programs. After a brief discussion, the following motion was made:
A motion was made by Ms. Hortwitz to accept the proposed changes as presented by the South Florida Chamber Ensemble. Mr. Martinez seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
c. CHANGE REQUEST - CITY THEATRE
The Board was presented with a change request from City Theater asking for approval of dates and a change from four presentations to three. Dr. Roth noted that the organization received the minimum grant award of $1,500. The Board discussed briefly and made the following motion:
A motion was made by Ms. Burgos to accept the proposed changes as presented by the City Theatre. Mr. Pantin seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
ART IN PUBLIC PLACES UPDATES;
a. PUBLIC ART ACQUISITIONS
The Board was advised that the following public art items were approved at the most recent City Commission: Public Safety Building proposal artists, David Hayes sculpture, and Hank Willis Thomas speech bubble artworks. Mr. Pantin asked about maintenance of the speech bubbles and their attachments. Ms. Spain stated that installation of the works will be handled as seasonal with fresh hardware each time they are re-installed. Mr. Pantin also asked about the order of placement, to which Ms. Cathers responded was determined by the artist and should be maintained.
b. FREDY ALZATE DONATION - LOCATION
The Board was advised of the direction of the City Commission to present possible locations for installation of the proposed Fredy Alzate sculpture donation (in lieu of no available indoor locations). Staff presented locations including the median on Alhambra Circle on either side of LeJeune Road, along the south side of Ponce de Leon (possibly) behind Fire Station #2. or by the City of Coral Gables Passport office. Staff noted that a location is desired that doesn’t interfere with the Underline. It was also noted that community meetings need to be held with residents and businesses in any proposed area prior to installation. Ms. Cathers added that the Commission has asked that staff speak directly with the artist regarding possible outdoor installation.
Ms. Burgos made a motion recommending installation of the Fredy Alzate sculpture (if the sculpture is accepted and unable to be placed indoors) along Ponce de Leon Boulevard (near the commercial section adjacent to the Underline). Mr. Pantin seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
DISCUSSION ITEMS:
Mr. Pantin asked about the current installations and condition of the three Jean Ward sculptures located at Ingraham Park. He noted that the artworks are in great need of restoration asked that the sculptures be moved to a location where they are more visible from the street. Ms. Cathers responded that a motion can be made and recommended as a CIP project in the next budget.
Mr. Pantin made a motion that the three Jean Ward sculptures at Ingraham Park be restored and moved to a more visible location within the park. Ms. Horwitz seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
ITEMS FROM THE SECRETARY:
In response to the Board’s request to meet semi-annually with the Arts Advisory Panel, staff reported that the Panel asked if the Cultural Development Board come to their meeting. Staff advised that the Panel meets the fourth Wednesday of every month at 9:00 a.m. and if they do not have action items, they do not meet. Dr. Roth discussed putting together an agenda in advance of those meetings. The Board agreed and set April and September as the proposed months to meet with the Panel.